With This Bling: January 2012

Tuesday 31 January 2012

You Know You Love Me

"Some say love is a river, some says love's a silly song. Some say love is all around us. It lifts us up where we belong. Some say love is hearing laughter in the rain. But on the Upper East Side, we all know love is pain." - Gossip Girl

I couldn’t help but glue myself to the TV last night as Blair Waldorf tied the knot to her not so charming Prince. There was great attention to detail and although they might not have a ‘happily ever after’, it was a lavish and stunning affair.

It was no surprise that peonies were used, as they are Blair’s favourite flower, and I adored her bouquet. The men’s boutonnieres however were quite large and looked like they were taking over their lapels. I was pleased with Blair’s choice of Vera gowns, although I personally preferred the one she was shown trying on a couple of weeks ago (of course, that’s because it was also one of my personal faves). In my opinion, the real highlight was Serena's Vera Wang gown. It was perfection! Blair's make-up was flawless and I plan on making it my mission to find her lip colour (Chanel, I’m assuming?), and my only real criticism would be her choice of ‘do. She looked a little too straggly to be marching the aisle and although the tiara was show-stopping, her hair needed a trim and some extra pizzazz. All in all it was a beautiful wedding with one detail to be seen again on February 19^th. Any guesses?

Check out some highlights from the ‘Royal Wedding’:

Highlights from the 100th episode of Gossip Girl

I LOVED her bouqiet

The lovely ladies of GG

The Vera Wang dress she was fitted for in an earlier episode

Blair's getaway car to end the show

XOXO,

A

Monday 30 January 2012

Permission to be Trashy

“Trash has given us an appetite for art.” – Pauline Kael

To 'trash the dress' post-wedding has become a widespread trend for fearless brides everywhere. A 'trashing' session typically consists of a creatively daring photo shoot, where the newlyweds put on their bride and groom attire, and get messy while posing for the camera. The inspiration is to basically destroy the wedding dress in order to gain fabulously artsy photos to frame or add to the album.

The more imaginative the location, the ‘trashier’ the shoot can be. Outdoor settings often make for excellent pictures, like lying in the sand on the shore or stomping in muddy rain puddles; but capturing moments in your own backyard or bubble-filled bathtub is simply spectacular as well.

We absolutely adore the idea of trashing the dress; it’s a wonderful way to cap off the fairytale wedding and the photos are priceless. Plus, the knot’s been tied, so rather than letting that gorgeous gown just hang in the closet, make more memories and trash that thing!

Until next time,

A & S

Friday 27 January 2012

We Love You, Kate

No, we aren't talking about our fave Royal (although we have much love for the iconic Duchess of Cambridge); we're referring to Kate Spade.

What initially began as a fab handbag line, kate spade new york eventually blossomed into a highly coveted and all encompassing brand, featuring footwear, RTW, jewelry, eye-wear, personal accessories and a stunning selection of home goods.

For the happy couple in search of the ideal place setting, or for guests of a wedding-related affair seeking a present of poised perfection, kate spade new york offers an assortment of fine china, casual dinnerware, barware, stemware, flatware and beautiful decorative pieces for the home.

Classic and timeless, the collection boasts an array of patterns and designs to suit a variety of tastes.

Take a look at some styles we can’t live without;

Belle Boulevard Five Piece Place Setting

Charcoal Floral Four Piece Place Setting

Main Street Carafe

Stanton Place Cocktail Tray (S received this as a wedding gift and LOVES it)

Annandale Goblet

Magnolia Drive 5 Piece Place Setting

Illustrated Toast of the Town Hors D'Oeuvres Tray

Gardner Street Rose Bowl

June Lane 5 x 7 Frame

Grace Avenue Vanity Box

If it's elegance you're looking for, Kate's got it...in spades ;)

Until next time,

A & S

Wednesday 25 January 2012

WTB Hearts: Little Lady Company

From creative cards and handwritten notes to personally kind thoughts of thanks, the simple gesture of sweet expression is always greatly appreciated. It’s nice to acknowledge a special someone throughout the wedding process; be it for planning a bachelorette, helping with favours, attending a dress fitting or just for being a good friend.

Little Lady Company has a great array of paper goods to find just the right sentiment for the occasion. They offer a unique collection of notes for asking your bridal party to share in the day, invites for bachelorettes, newlywed stationary and much more. With so many innovative styles and colour schemes to choose from, you can stock up on invites and thank you cards for any and all events.

Below are our top picks:

The Perfect Bachelorette Invite

Chevron 'Save the Date' (love the two-sided card!)

Personalized 'Thank You' Card (perfect for showers)

'Thank You' Card from the 'Newlyweds'

'Will You Be My Bridesmaid' Card

'Will You Be My Bridesmaid' Card (great inside caption!)

The Ideal 'Love' Note :)

Any excuse for pretty paper is a good one :)

Until next time,

A & S

Monday 23 January 2012

Love is in the Air

"Paris is always a good idea." - Audrey Hepburn

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, the wonderfully talented cookie designers of L & V Sweets have created a gorgeous gift box paying tribute to Paris - the city of love!

This deliciously girly package is available in two sizes and includes elegantly edible creations, all inspired by Parisian romance. It's a fun and decadent way to say 'I love you' to your sis, mom or bestie!

Valentine's Day Gift Box - L & V Sweets

Go ahead...send some sweetness.

Until next time,

A & S

Friday 20 January 2012

Fab Finder

Leave it to the one and only Martha Stewart and her team of wedding savvy stylists to come up with a solution to a very common bridal dilemma; where to find the perfect jewelry.

The 'Wedding Jewelry Finder' enables brides to search all types of jewelry, from engagement rings and wedding bands to beautiful broaches earrings, bracelets, and more. With options such as selecting the metal type, designer and even the theme of the event, this fabulously fancy tool helps to zoom in on the ultimate wedding day bling.

Here are some of the suggestions by style;

Glamourous girl...

Oscar Heyman - platinum-and-diamond drop floral earrings

Modern maven...

Oscar de la Renta - necklace with gold bugle beads, glass pearls, and crystals

Hopeless romantic...

Fragments - pink and white floral brooch

Truly traditional...

Cartier - '1985 Collection' platinum and round diamond ring

Very vintage...

Beaudry - cushion cut diamond engagement ring

Wonderfully whimsical...

Iradj Moini - mother-of-pearl earrings

Click here to locate your dream baubles with the touch of a button.

Until next time,

A & S

Thursday 19 January 2012

The Home Stretch

"Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." - Anonymous

In exactly one month from today, our very own beautiful bride, A, will walk down the aisle to marry her man, the dapper Mr. X! The past few weeks have been action-packed, with meetings. tastings and trials, and I can hardly wait to see the grand result!

With their 'winter wonderland' wedding on the horizon, I'd just like wish the future Mr. and Mrs. all the very best in these last 30 days as an engaged couple...the final countdown is ON!

Sincerely,

Wednesday 18 January 2012

WTB Hearts: Dazzling Expressions

An all-encompassing, one-stop type of shop, Dazzling Expressions showcases a vast selection of wedding accents to suit all styles. Choose from incredibly inspiring designs ranging from rustic chic to vintage elegance.

Their uniquely charming collection boasts everything from favour tags and bags to place card holders, table numbers and chalkboard signs. With personalization options offered on a wide variety of their fabulous finds, this Etsy shop makes decorating seem easy; as for narrowing down the faves, now that’s the tough part.